As the wildflowers bloom and feeders swing from porch eaves, hummingbirds have returned to the Trail area in a blur of wings and flashes of iridescent colour.
Among them are the tiny visitors recently captured by local photographer Ron Wilson, who is sharing his images with Trail Times readers.
A trio of the smallest and most vibrant summer visitors to southeastern B.C. are three hummingbird species commonly seen in local gardens, parks, and mountain meadows: the Calliope, Rufous, and Black-chinned hummingbirds.
The Calliope Hummingbird, North America’s tiniest bird, is a favourite among birdwatchers.
Males are easily identified by their showy magenta-streaked throats, which fan out like whiskers during courtship displays.
Despite their small size, barely the weight of a toonie, Calliopes are long-distance migrants, making their way to the Kootenays from as far south as Mexico each spring.
They breed in subalpine meadows and open forests, often spotted near flowering shrubs or backyard feeders in towns such as Trail and Nelson.
In contrast, the Rufous Hummingbird is well known for its fiery disposition and copper-toned feathers.
Females and juveniles are less vividly coloured but still display green backs and rusty flanks.
Rufous hummingbirds are highly territorial, often seen fiercely guarding feeders or flowerbeds.
These hardy travellers also have the longest migration relative to body size of any bird species, with some flying over 6,000 kilometres between Alaska and central Mexico.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird, though less conspicuous, is a growing presence in the southern interior.
Females and juveniles are pale with lightly speckled throats and a more understated look.
They favour riparian habitats and valley bottoms and can occasionally be seen darting through lower-elevation gardens and parks.
Their distinctive, buzzing flight and the male’s courtship dive, producing a high-pitched whistle, make them an intriguing species to observe.
Many Trail area residents support these seasonal visitors by planting native blooms such as red-flowered currant and bee balm or by maintaining nectar feeders (a simple mixture of one part sugar to four parts water, without dye).
As the region warms and the alpine flowers burst into colour, these high-energy birds become a dazzling part of the region's summer charm, offering not just beauty, but a reminder of nature’s resilience and rhythm.
